The NFL is standing firmly behind Taylor Swift amid criticism from some fans who feel the league is featuring the pop icon too prominently during games.
New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft, a prominent figure in the league, made his unequivocal support for Swift known on Sunday night. Kraft, who encountered Swift at The Grammys, believes that she contributes positively to football.
“To be honest, there are 16 games that go on every week, and Taylor (Swift) is at one,” Kraft stated in an interview with CNN.
He emphasized that Swift has increased fan approval among young women, fostering inclusivity, while also successfully attracting male fans to her music. Kraft praised the NFL’s product quality, parity, and presentation, highlighting the notable surge in ratings this year, the highest in about seven to eight years, and the phenomenal viewership during playoff games.
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“I think she’s increased the fan approval for young women, which we want, but she’s been smart because she is also getting male fans to come to her music. I just think it’s the quality of the product and the parity and what the NFL presents.
“Our ratings this year were the highest for about seven to eight years and you look at the playoff games, it was phenomenal.”
Acknowledging the brief duration of Swift’s appearances during games, Kraft emphasized that she brings a significant number of new viewers to the sport without being a distraction or detracting from the game itself. He credited the positive impact on fan engagement.
Swift, who is supporting her boyfriend, will be present at Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas this weekend, further solidifying her connection with the NFL.
